Core Network Type Determination During Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LTE and 5G communication systems, during a handover process, terminal devices face challenges in determining the core network type of the target cell, leading to suboptimal bearer configurations and user experience issues due to the lack of knowledge about the core network type at the source and target base stations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves the terminal device reporting its preferred core network type to the source access network device, which then communicates this information to the target access network device or core network device, allowing for accurate determination of the core network type before handover, thereby avoiding default configurations that may cause overload or empty load scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the terminal device uses default bearer configurations during handover without knowing the core network type, then the handover process can proceed without additional signaling, but the bearer configuration may be inappropriate leading to overload or empty load scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device performs preliminary detection of the core network type before handover execution. The source base station obtains core network type information through signaling interaction with the core network device or target base station, and includes this information in the handover request message sent to the target base station, enabling accurate bearer configuration in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The source base station acts as an intermediary that collects core network type information through signaling interaction with either the core network device (via N26 interface) or the target base station, and transmits this information to the target base station in the handover request message, enabling the target base station to configure appropriate bearers
2Measurement precision
If the source base station queries the core network device for the terminal's core network type, then accurate core network type information can be obtained, but additional signaling interaction is required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The source base station queries the core network device through the N26 interface to obtain the terminal's core network type information. The core network device responds with the stored core network type, enabling accurate detection without requiring complex multi-step signaling between all network elements
Solution Approach 2:
The N26 interface serves multiple functions: it stores terminal subscription information including core network type preferences, enables handover authorization, and provides core network type detection. This multi-functional interface reduces the need for separate dedicated signaling mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If the target base station determines the core network type independently, then the source base station does not need to provide additional information, but the target base station lacks knowledge of the terminal's preferred core network type
Solution Approach 1:
The target base station performs preliminary signaling interaction with the core network device to obtain the terminal's core network type information before handover execution. This advance information gathering enables accurate bearer configuration without requiring complex real-time determination mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The target base station interacts with the core network device to receive feedback regarding the terminal's core network type preferences. The core network device provides this information based on stored subscription data, enabling the target base station to make informed configuration decisions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a core network type during a handover process, a terminal device, an access network device, and a core network device. In a process of cell handover, a target access network device may determine the core network type of a target cell according to preferred core network type information reported by a terminal device: alternatively, the target access device may determine the core network type of the target cell by information exchange with a core network device. Therefore, smooth cell handover is ensured, and user experience is improved. The method comprises: during a process of handover of a terminal device from a source cell to a target cell, the terminal device sends preferred core network type information for the target cell to a source access network device, wherein the preferred core network type information is reference information for determining the core network type of the target cell.